Audi Creating 50 "Exclusive" Versions Of SQ5 TDI

By now we're familiar with the Audi SQ5 TDI -- not only the company's first crossover to wear the vaunted S performance badge, but also the first S product to have a diesel engine. Now the automaker has created an even more special version of the SQ5 TDI, called the Audi Exclusive Concept, and it's limited to just 50 units.

The main difference from other versions of the Audi SQ5 TDI is a new Aral Blue paint for the exterior and black Nappa leather for the interior. Also on the inside, that Nappa leather covers the seats, steering wheel, armrest, and dashboard. The sport seats have snow white contrast stitching, and the center section has what Audi claims is the first production-car implementation of "woven" snow white and black leather.

The smattering of black leather contrasts against snow white Alcantara on the headliner, pillars, and door panels. Natural ash wood trim adorns much of the interior, while the door panels and doorsills bear special Audi Exclusive badges.

Mechanically, this Exclusive car is no different from any other Audi SQ5 TDI. The crossover has a twin-turbo 3.0-liter diesel V-6 good for 313 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, which Audi says enables a 0-to-62 mph time of 5.1 seconds. An eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system are standard. Despite the performance credentials, the automaker says the SQ5 TDI can manage 33 mpg on the European cycle and tow 5291 pounds. A new suspension means the SQ5 TDI rides 1.18 inches lower than a regular Q5 crossover, and all models receive visual tweaks like a platinum-gray grille, aluminum mirror caps, a larger roof spoiler, quad tailpipes, and aluminum pedals.

Audi plans to introduce the SQ5 TDI Audi Exclusive concept at the Paris Motor Show later this month. The regular Audi SQ5 TDI goes on sale in Germany in early 2013 for €58,500 (about $76,600), while the Audi Exclusive version will cost €92,000 (about $120,500).

The unrelenting push of in-car technology isn’t going to stop any time soon, and it looks like Ford and GM will make sure that we’re never bored or without high-speed internet connections in our cars in the future.